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Smoke Alarms
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), from 2014-2018 all of the fire departments in the United States responded to an estimated average of 353,100 home structure fires per year. These fires caused an annual average of 2,620 civilian deaths; 11,030 civilian fire injuries; and $7.2 billion in direct property damage.
Smoke alarms can help save you, your family, and your property. From 2014-2018, the NFPA reports that almost 60% of house fire deaths happened in homes without a smoke alarm or with a malfunctioning smoke alarm.
Protect yourself and your family by:
- Purchasing multiple smoke alarms
- Installing your smoke alarms properly
- Identifying and practicing escape routes
- Maintain your smoke alarms and test them monthly
The Evanston Fire Department cannot recommend any specific brands of smoke detectors or alarms. We do, however, encourage you to do your research before you purchase the right smoke alarm for your home. A quick internet search will provide several articles that review and describe different brands and types. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind:
- Smoke alarms can be either electrically hard-wired or battery operated.
- The two most common smoke alarms are ionization and photoelectric.
- Ionization are more responsive to a flaming fire.
- Photoelectric are quicker at sensing smoldering, smoky fires.
- Either smoke alarm will provide sufficient time for escape for all fires; however, for best protection, it is recommended both be installed.
- Make sure the model has been listed by a recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory or Factory Mutual.
- Smoke alarms can be purchased for about $10 - $30.
- Smoke alarms have a life span of about 8-10 years and should be replaced after this time. Always follow manufacturer's guidelines.
- Smoke alarms must be installed on each level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom.
- Smoke alarms should be placed on the ceiling or high on a wall, 4-6 inches below the ceiling.
- For best practice, smoke alarms should be interconnected so that a fire detected by any smoke alarm will sound an alarm in all smoke alarms.
If you are using a smoke alarm that is connected to a third party monitoring service (ADT, Ring, SimpliSafe, etc.), you must register your smoke alarm with the Evanston Fire Department. More information about Alarm Registration can be found here.
If you are installing a "local" smoke alarm that is NOT connected to a third party monitoring service, you do not need to register your alarm with the Evanston Fire Department.
